January 15, 2025

Ever wanted to know which model of Linux you’re working with? Whether or not you’re troubleshooting a problem, making certain compatibility with particular software program, or planning a {hardware} improve, figuring out your working system’s model could be essential. That is very true for Ubuntu customers, however these strategies can work for many Linux distributions.

This data will help you troubleshoot points, keep away from compatibility issues, and plan {hardware} upgrades. It may even aid you keep good safety.

In different phrases, checking your Linux model is necessary when the necessity arises. Whether or not you’re making certain you will have the newest replace or determining in the event you’re operating an older model, you’ve come to the proper place.

On this concise information, we’ll present you establish your Ubuntu model in minutes.

Let’s get began!

The Totally different Variations Of Ubuntu

Timeline chart showing release dates of various Ubuntu versions from 2014 to 2036, including standard and extended support.

Every model of Ubuntu is mainly an replace to the working system. New variations come alongside each six months on common, and each launch has its personal code title.

Listed here are some latest examples:

  • 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat
  • 23.10 Mantic Minotaur
  • 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish

In contrast to another desktop operating systems, Ubuntu is offered in many various flavors, every providing one thing distinctive. 

Nevertheless, these flavors are basically totally different desktop environments wrapped across the identical Ubuntu base system. All of them share the identical Linux kernel and core working system.

This underlying system is what we have to examine to search out that all-important model quantity.

Why You Would possibly Want To Examine Your Ubuntu Model

“Remind me why I have to know my Ubuntu model once more?”

We hear you.

There are a number of good causes to lookup your model quantity.

Listed here are the highlights:

Checking Software program Compatibility

You won’t have the ability to run new software program on older releases, and the identical goes for brand spanking new updates of present apps. A compatibility test on the Ubuntu model of your machine will help you keep away from any potential issues.

Safety Updates

New variations of Ubuntu typically search to patch safety weaknesses. In the event you’re fearful a few particular vulnerability, you may wish to make sure you’re updated.

Troubleshooting Points

While you’re making an attempt to resolve issues in your machine, it actually helps to know your Ubuntu model quantity. Some issues are particular to sure releases, so virtually each tech assist individual asks for this data.

Planning for Upgrades

In the event you plan to replace your system, be sure to test whether or not your machine can truly deal with the replace. There’s a chance that older units might not meet the technical necessities for the newest Ubuntu variations.

By the identical token, you may have to replace Ubuntu to harness newer {hardware} upgrades.

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How To Discover Out Which Model Of Ubuntu You’re Utilizing

Sufficient with the speculation. You’re in all probability itching to get that model quantity by now.

Listed here are the very best strategies to test your Ubuntu model through the command line and (graphical person interface) GUI — ranked from simple peasy to barely extra technical.

Methodology 1: Examine Your Model By way of The GUI Settings 

Probably the most user-friendly technique to test your Ubuntu model is thru the GUI:

  1. Within the Launcher, click on the little Settings gear icon
  2. On the left-hand facet, you will notice a great deal of choices. Hit the one labeled Particulars
  3. After you click on, a brand new window ought to open
  4. On this window, scroll down till you see the About part, the place you must discover your Ubuntu model quantity
Ubuntu system information screen displaying OS name, version number, codename, and other hardware details.

This route is ideal in the event you’re not assured with scripting and the Linux command line.

That stated, you will get the job completed a bit sooner through the Terminal.

Methodology 2: The lsb_release -a Command 

One technique to make use of the command line is thru the lsb_release command. This prints out helpful details about the Linux kernel model and Linux distribution you’re utilizing — on this case, Ubuntu.

Right here’s use it:

  1. Launch Terminal utilizing Ctrl+Alt+T
  2. Sort within the following command: lsb_release -a
  3. Hit Enter
  4. The output ought to embrace the model quantity labeled as Launch
Terminal screenshot showing the command "lsb_release -a" and output indicating no LSB modules are available on Ubuntu.

Methodology 3: The cat /and so forth/os-release Command 

Reasonably than asking the Linux command line to your model quantity, you may merely question the recordsdata that maintain this data.

  1. Launch Terminal utilizing Ctrl+Alt+T
  2. Sort within the following command: cat /and so forth/os-release
  3. Hit Enter
  4. Terminal ought to output the contents of the os-release file
  5. You’ll discover the important thing information below the DISTRIB_RELEASE and DISTRIB_CODENAME variables

Methodology 4: Examine Your /and so forth/subject File

One other place the place data is saved is the /and so forth/subject file. We are able to name on this doc utilizing a easy command and get solely the Ubuntu model as a response.

  1. Launch Terminal utilizing Ctrl+Alt+T
  2. Sort within the following command: cat /and so forth/subject
  3. Hit Enter
  4. You must see a single line of textual content, itemizing your model quantity
Terminal screenshot displaying the commands to check the Ubuntu version and list the contents of the /etc/issue file.

Methodology 5: Use The hostnamectl Command

The hostnamectl command is designed that can assist you change your system’s hostname. (That’s the id of your machine when it’s linked to a community.)

However we’re not all in favour of that right now. 

As an alternative, we’re going to make use of the command to disclose some key details about your system, together with the all-important Ubuntu model quantity.

  1. Launch Terminal utilizing Ctrl+Alt+T
  2. Sort within the following command: hostnamectl
  3. Hit Enter
  4. You must see a number of strains of data, together with your Working System and Kernel variations
Terminal showing system information for Ubuntu 22.04.4 LTS instance running on AWS, including hostname, kernel version, etc.

Ubuntu Model FAQs

Obtained extra questions? Beneath are just a few of the commonest ones concerning Ubuntu releases:

How typically ought to I test my Ubuntu model?

You don’t have to test your Ubuntu model except you’re updating to the following model, upgrading your setup, or making an attempt to troubleshoot issues.

How can I improve my Ubuntu model?

You’ll be able to improve through the Software program Updater utility or by selecting the improve choice when Ubuntu notifies you a few new model.

What’s the distinction between LTS and non-LTS Ubuntu variations?

Chances are you’ll discover that some Ubuntu model codes embrace the acronym LTS. This stands for long-term assist.

LTS variations of Ubuntu are launched each two years and are supported for 5 years from their launch date.

In distinction, non-LTS variations are launched each six months. They solely include 9 months of assured assist.

If you’d like a steady atmosphere for getting issues completed, LTS is perhaps the best way to go.

Nevertheless, you received’t get the newest and most experimental options that seem in different variations.

Does checking my Ubuntu model require sudo privileges?

Nope. You should utilize the lsb_release, /and so forth/os-release, and GUI strategies talked about above with out sudo entry.

What are the Ubuntu launch naming conventions?

Every new model of Ubuntu is given a reputation to make it simpler to reference. These names observe a easy format: adjective animal. For instance, the following launch will probably be Oracular Oriole (24.10).

The primary letter of each phrases is normally the identical, and every new model strikes to the following letter within the alphabet. The animals and adjectives can typically be a bit obscure, however these codenames are positively memorable.

Along with the names, Ubuntu variations even have a numbering system that follows the format YY.MM, the place YY represents the 12 months and MM represents the month of the discharge. As an illustration, Ubuntu 24.10 signifies a launch in October 2024. This numbering system helps customers shortly establish how previous a selected launch is. The “minor” model will at all times be both .04 or .10 to symbolize the months through which new releases are put out into the wild.

Collectively, the codename and model quantity present a straightforward technique to establish and reference particular Ubuntu releases.

Staying as much as Date

As you’ve seen, discovering out which model of Ubuntu is in your pc isn’t that tough.

You simply have to know the place to look, or which instructions to make use of. To recap, the important thing strategies are:

  1. Examine in your Settings through GUI
  2. Use the lsb_release -a command
  3. Enter the cat /and so forth/os-release command
  4. Ask for cat /and so forth/subject in Terminal
  5. Make use of the hostnamectl command

Save this web page for future reference, and also you’ll by no means run into the identical downside once more!

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Our managed internet hosting plans handle updates robotically, which means you don’t want to fret about model numbers. And with automated every day backups, you may restore your web site to a earlier model with a few clicks.

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Brian is a Cloud Engineer at DreamHost, primarily accountable for cloudy issues. In his free time he enjoys navigating fatherhood, reducing firewood, and self-hosting no matter he can.